Ryan Silverman to take over as Raoul, beginning Friday evening, April 24.

A new principal cast member has been announced for the Broadway production of Andrew Lloyd Webber‘s The Phantom of the Opera, the longest-running show in Broadway history. Produced by Cameron Mackintosh/Really Useful Group, Inc. and directed by Harold Prince, the musical recently celebrated an unprecedented 21 years in New York, where it plays at The Majestic Theatre (247 West 44th Street).

Ryan Silverman, who previously starred as Raoul in the Las Vegas production, will take over the role on Broadway starting Friday evening, April 24. He succeeds current and long-time star Tim Martin Gleason, whose final performance will be Thursday evening, April 23.

Mr. Silverman recently left the Vegas production, having played Raoul from August 20, 2007 to February 10, 2008. He’s one of three stars of the Vegas production to join the Broadway Company, following Tim Martin Gleason (who created the role of Raoul there and who Mr. Silverman replaced) and Elizabeth Loyacano (who created the role of Christine there and who has been the Christine Alternate on Broadway since December 2007).

Ryan Silverman just returned from London, where he performed at the Olivier Awards, having starred as Tony in the Olivier-nominated West End engagement of West Side Story. That run was part of the musical’s 50th Anniversary International Tour, in which Silverman also starred. He recently performed the role of Karl in the Encores! production of Music in the Air opposite Kristin Chenoweth. He made his Broadway debut in Cry Baby and his other New York credits include both The Pirates of Penzance (Pirate King u/s) and The Most Happy Fella at New York City Opera. He’s toured nationally as Sky in Mamma Mia! and was a cast member of the Chicago production of Wicked (Fiyero u/s). Regional credits include Thoroughly Modern Millie (Jimmy), West Side Story (Tony), Cinderella (Prince) and Grease (Danny). Hailing from Sherwood Park, Alberta, his Canadian credits include Hello, Dolly! (Cornelius), Forever Plaid (Smudge), Sweeney Todd (Anthony), Blood Brothers (Eddie) and Assassins (Booth). This Saturday, March 14, Mr. Silverman will perform as a special guest at James Barbour’s weekly concert series Love Songs at Sardi’s.